The academic year is full of so many amazing things, new memories and new places. A great way to remember all these things is to create a exchange journal that you can take back with you filled with your experiences that you can share with your family and friends.
Check out AYA’s top 10 items to include in your exchange journal:
1. Postcards
Collect interesting postcards from places you visit across the US. You can usually find vintage postcards of your favorite landmarks or cities, which always adds a creative flair. Or you can include cards your family and friends have sent you from home.
2. Tickets
Gather your ticket stubs from museums, concerts, trains or attractions. These are a great way to document when and where you traveled during your year.
3. Maps
These make great backgrounds for you travel journals! Or simply paste a map of where you’ve been and indicate your favorite spots.
4. Notes from friends
Whether it’s handwritten or a handmade card, it’s always good to look back on memories of you and your friends.
5. Labels or packaging from different foods
Keep wrappers or cut out cardboard of new foods you tried or really enjoyed. It’s a great way to remember all those new flavors you tried.
6. Magazine cut-outs
Use images from magazines, newspapers or travel guides you read to dress up your entries!
7. School photos
Share your school spirit through photos of football games, homecoming and prom.
8. Stickers about the USA
Purchase some inexpensive stickers to add some detail to your entries; flags, landmarks and states.
9. Menu of your favorite restaurant
Save menus from your favorite café or restaurant. You’ll want to know where to tell your family and friends to go when they visit the US.
10. Tags from clothes & souvenirs
These are always fun and small enough to fit in your journal and a quick way to add some color!
Please share pictures of your exchange journal or tips for creating one! Share your photos on Facebook or Twitter with #AYAclassof15.
If you’re a host family or Local Coordinator this is a great activity to do together during a rainy day or at your next cluster event. Get a group of students together, put some supplies in the middle and start journaling!
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